China’s Evolving Role as a Global Economic Engine and Peace Contributor
China continues to serve as a central force in the global economy and an essential contributor to international peace, according to a Cambodian scholar who emphasized that Beijing’s influence remains strong even as its economic role evolves. Speaking to Xinhua, Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at BELTEI International University, underscored that China is no longer defined solely as the world’s factory but is rapidly transforming into a leader in advanced technology and sustainable development. “By the end of 2025, China will remain a primary engine for the global economy, though the nature of its contribution is shifting from being just the world’s factory to a leader in advanced technology and green energy,” he said, highlighting how this transition reflects deeper structural changes in the Chinese economy that continue to shape global growth patterns.
Technology, Innovation, and Green Energy Driving Global Impact
China’s most notable progress, Matthews explained, lies in high value sectors that are reshaping international markets and industrial standards. These include digital technology, artificial intelligence, innovation ecosystems, green energy, electric vehicles, lithium ion batteries, and solar panels, all of which have positioned China at the forefront of global technological competition. “These sectors are impressive not just for their sizes but for their speed and technological global dominance,” Matthews noted, pointing out that China’s rapid scale up and innovation capacity have enabled it to exert influence far beyond its borders while supporting the global transition toward cleaner and smarter economic models.
China’s Role in Global Peace and United Nations Peacekeeping
Beyond economics, China continues to play a vital role in maintaining international peace and security through multilateral engagement. Matthews stressed that China remains a cornerstone of United Nations peacekeeping operations, both financially and operationally. As the second largest financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop contributor among permanent members of the UN Security Council, China’s blue helmets remain active in overseas missions, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. “Apart from this, China remains a pillar of the United Nations peacekeeping mission abroad,” he said, reinforcing the view that China’s global responsibilities extend well beyond trade and investment.
Global Initiatives Reshaping Geoeconomics and Geostrategy
China’s influence is also reflected in a series of global initiatives that Matthews described as transformative for the international system. Programs such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative have collectively altered global economic and strategic dynamics. “All these initiatives have completely changed the geoeconomic and geostrategic landscape around the globe,” Matthews said, emphasizing that Southeast Asia and developing regions have been among the key beneficiaries of these frameworks designed to promote connectivity, development, and shared prosperity.
Belt and Road Cooperation and Cambodia’s Development Experience
The Belt and Road Initiative, in particular, has delivered tangible outcomes in poverty reduction and infrastructure development across Asia and Africa. Matthews highlighted Cambodia as a clear example of successful cooperation, where large scale projects have transformed the country’s economic landscape. “The BRI projects have alleviated global poverty significantly, especially in Africa and Asia,” he said, adding that Cambodia has benefited from industrial zones, expressways, airports, and ports that support trade, tourism, and investment. Major projects such as the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone, the Phnom Penh Sihanoukville Expressway, and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport have become powerful drivers of national growth and regional integration.
China’s Future Role in Global Growth and Security
Looking ahead, Matthews believes China’s importance to both the global economy and international security will only increase, even as it navigates rising uncertainties and complex geopolitical conditions. “China will remain a main innovation driver and key contributor to global growth, leveraging its scale in trade and industry, though facing challenges from global uncertainties,” he said. In security terms, China is expected to continue acting as a stabilizing force, with the Global Security Initiative serving as a practical framework for addressing interconnected global risks through cooperation and mutual benefit.
Conclusion
China’s ongoing transformation from a manufacturing powerhouse into a leader in innovation, green technology, and global governance underscores its enduring relevance to the world economy and international peace. As highlighted by Cambodian scholar Joseph Matthews, China’s economic evolution, peacekeeping contributions, and far reaching global initiatives have reshaped development pathways for countries like Cambodia while influencing global stability. Despite future challenges, China’s role as a driver of growth, innovation, and cooperative security is set to remain a defining feature of the global landscape.